- April 18, 2024
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cWhile the vandalism that affected 18 classrooms unsettled many at Horizon Elementary School, the community has shown great support to faculty, staff and students.
The most recent show of giving came in the form of 10 Kindle Fire Tablets that were donated on Monday, Jan. 29, by the Rue and Ziffra law firm. The tablets will be given to teachers, many of whom purchased tablets with their own money for the students to use, but which weren't covered by the school's insurance.
“Two of my children go to Horizon Elementary," said Ed Rue, a partner at Rue and Ziffra. "We have had a great experience there. The principal, Mr. Harms, the teachers and the staff have always gone above and beyond for the kids. When I heard about the vandalism, I knew that Rue and Ziffra had to do something to give back to the Horizon community. I am glad that we were able to help replace some of the tablets that were damaged.”
Also, Walmart gave food to staff and workers in addition to providing supplies and gift cards to Principal Gary Harms and teachers.
The city of Port Orange City Clerk’s Department donated 10 boxes of binders to the school Tuesday, Jan. 30, as well.
The Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce's education committee is also collecting school supplies to help faculty, staff and students. Vystar and Cypress Head also served as drop-off locations.
Three juveniles, ages 12, 13, and 14, who live near Horizon Elementary were held responsible for the vandalism. The investigation determined that the juveniles entered the school grounds on multiple occasions during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend and caused extensive damage, including flooding and graffiti.
Volusia County Schools will be handling any school-related discipline; felony burglary and felony vandalism charges are also pending.
According to Harms, all Horizon students are back in the classrooms that were damaged.
"We've just had an outpouring of generosity from the community, from churches and schools and businesses," Harms said. "Between money detonations and donations like this, we'll be able to replenish everything."
